The two-week programme provides a platform to youth of Indian origin, who have never visited the country, to trace their ancestral roots.

Visiting students during a field trip to Sukhna Lake, Chandigarh, on Wednesday.(HT Photo)

Fourteen students from the United Kingdom (UK), who arrived in Chandigarh under the ‘Connect with your roots’ (CYR) programme on Tuesday, said they had a different image of Punjab and its people on Wednesday.

During their visit to Punjab Vidhan Sabha, the students said, “People here are optimistic and helpful.”

After visiting Sukhna Lake, Gurjot Taneja, a student of mechanical electronics, said, “This visit is a great opportunity for me as I am getting a lot of exposure.”

“There are so many notions about Punjab on social media, most of the information is negative. People here are so cooperative. We will spread positive message about Punjab,” he added.

Another UK student Sanjeet Rattan said, “I feel fortunate enough to be a part of this programme. It is going to be a unique experience for me.”

Another student, Simran said, “Punjab Vidhan Sabha was interesting. We got a chance to interact with the officers of the state government. The even interacted with the DGP.”

On Wednesday, the group visited Vidhan Sabha and Sukhna Lake. The group comprise eight boys and six girls, between 16 and 22.

In Patiala, the group will visit Rajiv Gandhi National University of Law, National Institute of Sports, and Punjabi University. They will also go to the Shaheed-e-Azam Bhagat Singh Memorial at Khatkar Kalan in Nawanshahr district.

Other inclusions in the itinerary are Sri Guru Ravidass Memorial at Khuralgarh in Hoshiarpur, which is famous for its handicrafts and industrial hub in Jalandhar. Besides, the group will also visit Punjab Agricultural University in Ludhiana.

The programme was launched by the CM in London in September, 2017. The two-week programme provides a platform to youth of Indian origin, who have never visited the country, to trace their ancestral roots.